Elder M. Russell Ballard on the importance of personal study

Elder M. Russell Ballard (1928- ) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"Education—particularly spiritual education—is constantly stressed by the Lord. We cannot be saved in ignorance (see D&C 131:6), but the Lord can only reveal light and truth to us as we are prepared to receive it. And so it is incumbent upon each of us to do everything we can to increase our spiritual knowledge and understanding by studying the scriptures and the words of the living prophets. When we read and study the revelations, the Spirit can confirm in our hearts the truth of what we are learning; in this way, the voice of the Lord speaks to each one of us (see D&C 18:34, 36). As we ponder the teachings of the gospel and apply them in daily living, we become better prepared to receive additional light and truth.... 

"As promised in the scriptures: 'Ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath... prepared for you.... Ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.' (D&C 78:17–18) ... 

"My brothers and sisters, we need to embrace, study, and appreciate the revealed truths that are ours." 

- M. Russell Ballard, "Marvelous are the Revelations of the Lord," General Conference April 1998;  Click here to read the full talk

It's so easy to get distracted and neglect our "spiritual education."  Reminders such as this one are important and valuable to us. Studying puts us in the situation where "the voice of the Lord speaks to each one of us." Why would we not crave that, and do anything to obtain it?  We have greater tools than ever, better resources, more accessible information.

Understanding more truth prepares us to receive more truth! Elder Ballard quotes the Lord's challenge to us— "Ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath... prepared for you." If we did understand, perhaps we wouldn't need so many reminders!

 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 15, 2015